For years, college athletes at every level have balanced academics, athletics, and community expectations without the ability to profit from their name, image, or likeness. That changed in 2021, when NIL rights opened doors for student-athletes nationwide. Now, West Texas A&M University is making sure its athletes don’t just get a seat at the table—they get the tools to succeed there.
Earlier this week, WT Athletics announced the launch of the West Texas A&M Exchange, a new partnership with Teamworks Influencer that will connect Buff student-athletes with businesses, sponsors, and community supporters. The platform, free to both athletes and enterprises, promises not just a marketplace for NIL deals, but also a built-in support system of education, compliance, and financial literacy.
For WT Vice President of Athletics Doug Lipinski, the move is about more than endorsements—it’s about empowerment.
“This platform will allow our student-athletes to connect with sponsors and supporters to help maximize their NIL prospects,” Lipinski said. “Teamworks Influencer does a great job of educating athletes on the NIL process as well as providing brand-building tools and financial literacy.”
A Student-Centered Approach
The West Texas A&M Exchange looks less like a marketplace and more like a mentorship hub. While athletes can connect directly with businesses through a searchable database, they’ll also find resources to help them navigate the complicated world of contracts, taxes, and social media engagement.
Every deal struck through the platform automatically generates a compliance form, which is routed to WT’s compliance office to ensure athletes remain in good standing. Payments are processed securely, and 1099 tax forms are stored in each athlete’s app account, making reporting smoother when tax season arrives.
That kind of detail matters for young adults still learning how to manage money and make professional decisions. For many, NIL isn’t just about short-term profit—it’s their first chance to experience entrepreneurship.
Building Bridges with the Community
For local businesses in Canyon and the Texas Panhandle, the exchange could open new possibilities. A local diner might team up with a volleyball player for a social media campaign. A regional retailer could invite multiple athletes to appear at a grand opening. Even individual fans could participate by sponsoring appearances or personal promotions.
By centralizing the process, the exchange ensures that these relationships remain transparent and mutually beneficial. Athletes gain exposure and compensation, while businesses tap into one of the most loyal fan bases in the region.
Sean Kelly, Senior Account Executive with Teamworks, said West Texas A&M’s approach reflects a forward-thinking commitment to both opportunity and accountability.
“West Texas A&M Athletics has built a forward-thinking NIL program that prioritizes education, compliance, and brand-building,” Kelly said. “We’re proud to power the West Texas A&M Exchange and help student-athletes unlock new NIL opportunities with the support of their local community and beyond.”
More Than Just Endorsements
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the exchange is the emphasis on long-term growth. Through the Influencer platform, athletes can monitor their social media engagement, track brand development, and learn how to present themselves to sponsors.
For many student-athletes, the lessons learned here could last longer than their playing careers. Building a personal brand, understanding contracts, and managing finances are skills that carry into any professional path. By weaving these lessons into the NIL process, WT is preparing athletes not just for today’s deals but for tomorrow’s careers.
Leveling the Field in the NIL Era
When NIL rights first became a reality, much of the spotlight focused on Division I powerhouses and high-profile athletes landing national endorsement deals. But for schools like West Texas A&M, the challenge has been creating meaningful opportunities for their athletes on a smaller stage.
The exchange provides exactly that—a level playing field where athletes at a Division II university can benefit from NIL in a structured, accessible, and community-driven way. It gives athletes a chance to showcase their talents off the field while reinforcing the values of education and compliance that WT Athletics has built its program on.
About Teamworks Influencer
Teamworks Influencer has quickly become a leader in athlete brand-building and NIL management. More than 270 collegiate and professional organizations currently use the platform to manage NIL opportunities, distribute content, and ensure compliance. Its Influencer Local Exchange allows schools to customize marketplaces that match the culture and community surrounding their athletic programs.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the West Texas A&M Exchange represents more than just a new website or app. It’s a statement: that WT Athletics believes its student-athletes deserve the same chances to grow, learn, and profit from their hard work as any athlete at any level.
As registration opens and partnerships begin to form, the impact could ripple far beyond the university. Local businesses gain ambassadors. Fans gain a deeper connection to the athletes they cheer for every week. And Buff student-athletes gain not just new financial opportunities, but the knowledge and experience to make the most of them.
